Larry D. Simons
Attorney | Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law
If you're researching attorneys for a serious bankruptcy matter, here's what you need to know about Larry Simons upfront: he holds the Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy Law credential from the State Bar of California — a designation earned by fewer than 200 attorneys in the entire state. He's held it since 2004.
That's not a marketing badge. It's a formal certification that requires demonstrated expertise, peer review, written examination, and ongoing recertification. It means the State Bar of California has independently evaluated Larry and concluded that bankruptcy law is not just something he practices — it's something he masters.
Credentials and Qualifications
Certified Specialist — Bankruptcy Law
State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Certified since 2004. Renewed through ongoing continuing education and peer review.
Chapter 7 Trustee — Central District of California
Larry serves on the private panel of Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees for the Central District of California, Riverside Division. As a trustee, he is appointed by the U.S. Trustee's Office to administer Chapter 7 cases — reviewing debtor filings, conducting creditor meetings, and evaluating assets. This dual role (attorney for debtors, court-appointed trustee) gives him an insider understanding of how the other side of the table operates. When he advises clients, he draws on that perspective directly.
Former Chair — Bankruptcy Law Advisory Commission, State Bar of California
Larry served as Chair of the Bankruptcy Law Advisory Commission, the body within the State Bar of California responsible for overseeing the certification and recertification of bankruptcy law specialists. He didn't just earn this credential — he helped design the standards others must meet to earn it.
Super Lawyers Recognition
Larry has been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer multiple times. He was named a "Rising Star" in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, and has been selected as a Super Lawyer continuously since 2012. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous multi-phase selection process including independent research, peer nomination, and attorney evaluation.
Court Admissions
- State Bar of California (admitted 1995)
- U.S. District Court — Southern District of California
- U.S. District Court — Central District of California
- U.S. District Court — Eastern District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals — Ninth Circuit
Education and Early Career
Larry earned his B.A. in History from California State University, Northridge (1992) and his J.D. from Pacific McGeorge School of Law (1995).
Before entering private practice, he served as:
- Judicial Extern to the Honorable David E. Russell, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California, Sacramento
- Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Kathleen Thompson and the Honorable Arthur Greenwald, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Woodland Hills
He began his career inside the federal bankruptcy court system — and has built every year of practice since on that foundation.
What This Means for You as a Client
Most bankruptcy attorneys are general practitioners who handle bankruptcy cases among other work. Larry Simons has spent his entire legal career — over 30 years — focused on a single area of law. He's certified by the state. He sits on the trustee panel. He chaired the commission that sets certification standards.
When you sit down with Larry, you're not getting a generalist running through a checklist. You're getting someone who has spent decades inside bankruptcy courts — as counsel, as clerk, and as trustee — and who brings every bit of that experience to your case.
You'll also speak directly to Larry, not a paralegal or case manager. At Janus Law, every client consultation is handled by a licensed attorney.
Practice Areas
Schedule a Consultation with Larry
There's no charge to discuss your situation with Larry. He'll walk through your finances, explain your options clearly, and give you an honest assessment — not a sales pitch.
Mission Hills / SFV: (747) 269-0098
Riverside / Inland Empire: (951) 618-4626
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